The possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold making a move to Real Madrid has become more likely, following reports that Liverpool's top brass don't see the player as irreplaceable. Despite ongoing speculation about contract talks, the England right-back hasn't yet extended his Anfield deal and could leave on a free transfer this summer.
Alexander-Arnold isn't the only Reds star with an uncertain future; Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also approaching the last six months of their contracts. However, it's the 26 year old who seems most likely to depart, having not publicly expressed any wish to stay with the Merseyside club beyond this season.
Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley has shown himself to be a capable stand-in over the past two seasons, impressing in recent first-team appearances before being sidelined by injury. According to Spanish outlet Revelo, Liverpool bosses don't see Alexander-Arnold as an 'indispensable' player.
The academy graduate has featured in 328 club matches since breaking into the first team in the 2016/17 season, helping them secure every domestic trophy as well as the 2018/19 Champions League. Under Jurgen Klopp, he was occasionally used in midfield, a strategy also employed by ex-England coach Gareth Southgate.
However, there have been doubts about his defensive positioning. It seems that the Reds would be willing to let him go to Spain if they can't make headway with contract negotiations soon, reports the Express.
The report does suggest that a deal with Real Madrid is still far from being finalised. Alexander-Arnold could sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, but wouldn't officially move until June.
The Liverpool star has formed a close bond with current Real midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is reportedly trying to convince his England team-mate to join him at club level. This week, another player who made the switch from Anfield to the Bernabeu warned Alexander-Arnold that he will have to "live and die" by whatever decision he makes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool - and could leave next summer for nothing
Trent Alexander-Arnold is yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool - and could leave next summer for nothing (Image: (Image: Getty))
Michael Owen, who spent a season with the La Liga giants during the 2004/05 campaign, also came through the Liverpool youth and academy ranks and was adored by the fans before deciding to leave. "I was crying going to the airport because I didn't want to leave," he confessed to AceOdds.
"But it was such an opportunity. I didn't want to make a decision. I almost wanted a decision to be made for me. I was so 50-50 but that doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because at the end of the day, you do one or the other."
"You're now committed and you're now going to do it. No regrets. That's what I decided at the time, even though it was a close call. That's what I decided and you have to live and die by your decisions."